(TERRE HAUTE) - More than 100 present and future Ducks Unlimited supporters gathered June 9 to celebrate the dedication of Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area near Terre Haute.

Ducks Unlimited helped the Indiana Department of Natural Resources acquire and permanently protect wetlands along the Wabash River for the creation of the new Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area.

About 1,000 acres were acquired in early 2015, bringing the total amount of wetlands permanently protected to more than 3,600 acres. Wabashiki Fish and Wildlife Area is a gem for outdoors enthusiasts, ducks and other wildlife.

The dedication June 9 brought together two important groups of Ducks Unlimited supporters, Legacy Greenwings and Major Donors, who help make projects such as Wabashiki a reality.

Greenwings are Ducks Unlimited youth members. Youth join the ranks of the Ducks Unlimited Legacy Greenwing members with a $200 contribution to Ducks Unlimited, which makes them members until the age of 18. DU's Major Donors have made a gift or pledge of at least $10,000, leading the charge to secure our continent's wetland and waterfowl habitat for future generations.

Indiana has more than 14,000 Ducks Unlimited members, including more than 280 Legacy Greenwing members and more than 215 Major Donors.

"Establishing a new Fish and Wildlife Area doesn't happen often," said Jim Franz, Indiana Ducks Unlimited chairman. "What makes this even more exciting is that Ducks Unlimited played a vital role in this amazing landscape."

The Indiana DNR could not have created Wabashiki without Ducks Unlimited's financial and conservation resources.

"You all have choices in life, but you choose to support Ducks Unlimited. And our ducks and wildlife thank you," said Tom Quarandillo, Indiana major donor chairman.

Also speaking at the event was Indiana DNR Deputy Director John Davis and Ducks Unlimited Regional Biologist Mike Sertle.

After the remarks, two bronze plaques were unveiled with the names of Greenwing Legacy and Major Donors. The plaques will remain on display at Wabashiki in recognition of donor support.

Ducks Unlimited Inc. is the world's largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America's continually disappearing waterfowl habitats. Established in 1937, Ducks Unlimited has conserved more than 14 million acres thanks to contributions from more than a million supporters across the continent. Guided by science and dedicated to program efficiency, DU works toward the vision of wetlands sufficient to fill the skies with waterfowl today, tomorrow and forever. For more information on our work, visit www.ducks.org.